Hixon v. Smith
by Tucker Fredrickson on Apr 15, 2009 2:54 PM EDT
17 comments
There's been a lot of debate recently about whether it would be better for the Giants to give up Hixon or Smith if necessary to complete the oft rumored Braylon Edwards trade. Generally speaking the sentiment seems to be that people would prefer to keep Smith. I thought it might make sense to look at the numbers before jumping to conclusions. Hixon had 43 receptions and a very good 13.9 yard/reception average. His long was 41 and he had 2 TDs. Smith led the team with 57 receptions, but had a below average yds/reception average of 10.1. His long was 30 yards and he had 1 TD. Although Smith had 14 more catches, they yielded 20 less yards than Hixon's 43. Additionally, Hixon had two rushing attempts for 26 yards, and did a good job on punt returns.
I understand that statistics can be deceiving, and I'd like to know which receiver was on the field for more plays, and how many balls were thrown to each. My gut tells me that Smith had more opportunities, but I can't back that up with numbers. Smith was healthy all year and was the number three receiver in every game. Hixon saw major action in the games Burress missed, but only spot duty in the games when Plax played.
People remember Hixon missing that long pass in the Eagles game and they remember Smith making a lot of third down catches to get first downs. Overall, though, I think the numbers suggest that if we had to part with one of the two (and I hope we don't have to) Smith is more expendable.
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I kinda like them both to be honest. Its not really fair to judge the two production wise, Hixon took Plax’s place, Smith was never in that position where he was going deep he was always running zone sit routes and getting first downs similar to Wes Welker. Hixon was getting opportunities because he basically was the closest thing we had to Plax and we learned, as good as he is he is no Plax. I guess if it takes Smith or Hixon to complete the deal I would prob do either or, we need Braylon bad, losing our 3rd receiver isnt a huge deal, especially if we keep that first round pick and try to still get a Heyward Bei or Hakeem Nix. We would basically be trading Shockey and Smith/Hix for Shockey and a 5th Rounder. not a bad tradeoff in my mind. I would love for them to work out a way to keep Hixon and Smith, because I think them 2 with Mannighams progression and have Braylon is a pretty damn good WR Core.
He has a knack
for finding the open spot and Eli trusts him. There’s something to be said about chemistry.
I love Hix. I thought it was a close call.
Feeling antsy about it, I went along with using him in the trade because that’s what JR offered. You’ve convinced me otherwise. I still feel antsy.
PS
There’s no way Hix had close to the # of passes thrown his way as Smith. Hix made a few very tough catches, which so many seem to have forgotten because of that one drop on a long pass in the open
10 more
I looked it up and Smith had 10 more passes thrown his way. I agree about people’s memories. If Hixon had caught that pass in the Eagles game, nobody would be talking about Smith at all.
by Tucker Fredrickson on Apr 15, 2009 4:32 PM EDT up reply actions
Stats can mislead
they were used in very different ways. True, Hixon played less, but once Plax got hurt he took over Plax’s spot in the offense, and to say he didn’t exactly shine down the stretch might be an understatement. Smith’s role didn’t really change when Plax went down – he remained the #3 option and primary 3rd down receiver. I think there’s a LOT of value in a guy who is a very good route runner with very good hands who has a knack for coming up with 3rd down catches. Though Hixon may have been, on average, the more productive player last year, I also think he’s much more easily replaced if we get a legit #1.
True stats don't tell the whole story
You make some god points. But who’s to say that Hixon couldn’t prosper if the Giants used him the way they do Smith. I don’t think Smith has the versatility to be anything other than be a short possession type receiver, and I think that type of player is easier to replace than a guy who can run the long pattern and is also a threat to break a short pass for a long gain. I agree that Smith was a valuable contributor last year and I like him as a player, I just think Hixon brings more to the table.
by Tucker Fredrickson on Apr 15, 2009 4:38 PM EDT up reply actions
Hixon
Smith has been in the passing game for a while, longer than Hixon.
Smith falls down every single time he catches the ball and I cannot remember him ever catching a deep ball, and most of them were right on the money.
To be honest, I’d rather keep both and then draft a youngin or two. Edwards may be a vet, but he hasn’t exactly proved much. Plus the Rook is gonna be with th Giants for at least 5 years if he’s good. Edwards probably will be a rental cuz he wants a gigantic contract.
hixon/smith
tucker frederickson…….THE tucker frederickson, #24, who played for the Gmen?
and hixon gets my vote.
dbree
Just a screen name
Tucker was my favorite Giant when I was a kid. Rooting for the Giants during the wasteland of the late 60’s was tough, so you had to really be into the players. I settled on Tucker for awhile because he was the number one pick in the draft. He was a frustrating hero to have because he was always injured and never had a good team or offensive line to help him. Anyway, when the time came to register a screen name, I thought it might give some of the older fans on the site a laugh.
by Tucker Fredrickson on Apr 15, 2009 4:52 PM EDT up reply actions
Smith all the way
The guy is a classic possession receiver, and he is a guy Eli can rely on to be open and catch everything thrown to him. Those guys are underrated, and I think you really are missing Smith’s value to Eli (especially w/Toomer gone) if you are willing to part with him. You have to be able to get first downs, and Smith gives Eli someone he can bank on to get them.
I second this
Smith has a role carved into the offense that is NOT easily filled, and it should not be considered so expendable in the scheme of things. I think the bigger loss with Hixon would be in the return game, because I don’t even know if I honestly trust him entirely as a #2 option at receiver.
If it has to be one or the other leaving, it’s Hixon. I’d prefer neither.
by Caseys Kiss of Death on Apr 15, 2009 5:51 PM EDT up reply actions
i would keep ......
steve smith. everybody has written off sinorce moss. give that guy a chance!!! talk about quick and shifty. look at the guys route running, thats one of the reasons why JR drafted him. and i believe that he is proably one of the fastest players on the team. either way we are gonna have to man up and let one of them gooooooo! its hard but it needs to happen.
Smith..
he’s Eli’s hot receiver
It's not easy being Giants fan in Philly.. but it sure is satisfying
http://novafacts.blogspot.com
by Hoyadestroya85 on Apr 16, 2009 12:58 AM EDT reply actions
Smith is money on 3rd down
Hixon has done some nice things, but his main contribution is kick off returns. While that is great and all, you can find other kick off return guys in the lower rounds of the draft, where as a guy who gets open and gets you what you need to move the chains is invaluable.
Yes Smith seems to fall a lot, but I seem to a recall a RIDICULOUS 3rd and 11 conversion in a little game called Super Bowl 42 on the winning drive. He caught it way short, cut up the sidelines, and walked the tight rope to get a… yep, FIRST DOWN! Dude is great.
no offense
but i didnt think eli had a hot reciever, thats why JR is trying to find him one. none of the recievers stood out to me last year. they r all #2 WR’S. just get braylon and try to get brandon pettigrew from ok state.
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